Eurovision Song Contest and the TV Baftas: Weekend TV Picks

TV preview: Engelbert Humperdinck tries his best to prove the doubters wrong at Eurovision in Azerbaijan on Saturday and then the cream of the British TV industry gather for some mutual appreciation at the Baftas on Sunday.

A BBC Panorama reporter ambushing British entrant Engelbert Humperdinck for his views on human rights in Azerbaijan added an unlikely twist to the build-up to this year’s Eurovision. Cynics might suggest that’s why Britain has landed the cursed opening slot as Baku hosts the annual kitsch-fest. At least that way the crooner can make an early exit, hotly pursued by the Russian grannies who will perform sixth.

British Academy Television Awards, BBC1, Sunday, 8pm

How do you choose between the flamboyant grandstanding of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and the understated menace of Dominic West as Fred West? And were both of those better than John Simm in Exile and Joseph Gilgun in This Is England ’88? The Baftas are a timely reminder that, in among the dross, there have been plenty of TV treats over the past year.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network, Saturday, 6.30pm

Though Star Wars nerd Simon Pegg has been down on the prequels in the past, here he voices Darth Vader’s bounty hunter, Dengar – a seal of approval for this animated spin-off that has attracted grown-up fans thanks to its stylish take on the saga’s existential struggles.

Soccer Aid, ITV1, Sunday, 6pm

Time to check out the ever-changing state of Robbie Williams’ waistline as he leads England against the Rest Of The World in the annual Unicef charity match at Old Trafford. Olly Murs, Gerard Butler and Will Ferrell are among a mixed bag of celebs lining up alongside old pros Teddy Sheringham and Ruud van Nistelrooy.